74. Giving Up Diṭṭhi-māna

By Luang Pu Thate Desaraṅsī

June 18, 1989

The Rains Retreat is approaching. Everyone is preparing. You will have to move to different places. Newly ordained monks must stay here under supervision. Monks with seniority (vassa) should separate to various places. Scatter and test whether you can rely on yourselves yet. It's appropriate to split up. Try it. Don't seek out only those who suit your temperament. Being compatible and harmonious is required to live together — that is impossible. People's temperaments are naturally different, each going their own way. When temperaments differ, living together inevitably involves some friction. You need patience to live together.

This religion extols the virtue of patience above all. Patience is the supreme austerity because people's mental dispositions differ. Therefore, the teaching is to cultivate patience. But while living together, seek goodness toward one another. Don't be envious, malicious, vengeful, or hateful. Don't harbor diṭṭhi-māna (fixed views and conceit). When issues arise, you should consult and approach each other.

Being able to turn toward one another is very good. The people in this world are countless and varied. Look at the communists and the government — they used to kill each other, killing royalty and monks. Even to that extent, they could still turn toward each other. Whatever should be discussed, they do it. It's beneficial. Communists are the same. When something is good and beneficial, even communists agree with it. They humble themselves and become good citizens. Here we are genuine monks and disciples of the Buddha; we should consult each other, wishing well with good intentions.

But when consulting, do not speak with diṭṭhi-māna. Aim for calm and coolness. Aim for goodness and beauty. Set your mind on loving-kindness and good wishes, then approach each other. Only then can you speak together. Junior and senior can speak together. Do not use your status to oppress or disparage others. When seniors speak to juniors, do not look down on or belittle them.

All people have their views. We come to practice and give up views, but they don't just disappear. Everyone has diṭṭhi-māna — indeed, abundantly. Clashing views with one another leads to endless trouble. They must be given up together. If we are rigid in our views, others are equally rigid. Rigidity clashing with rigidity leads to breakage. But if one person yields and gives up their diṭṭhi-māna, if one side yields, the other side may also be able to let go.

Thus, this religion fundamentally teaches harmony and unity. We live in the Buddha's religion. If we don't practice according to the Buddha's teachings, it won't work.